Ashwagandha Benefits for Men and Their Sexual Health

Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng) is a versatile herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. Increasing testosterone and sperm count, improving erectile dysfunction, and enhancing sexual desire are amongst Ashwagandha’s purported benefits for men.

Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, as it is believed to help the body adapt to and manage stress.1

While there is some research supporting most of Ashwagandha’s benefits for men, that’s not the case for erectile dysfunction.

This article discusses each of them, as well as the potential side effects of ashwagandha and how to use the herb.

Health Benefits for Men

Ashwagandha is believed to have many health benefits, particularly in managing stress. In studies, ashwagandha supplementation has been found to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels substantially.2

Here’s a look at what research has to say about Ashwagandha’s benefits for men and their sexual health.

Boosting Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone in men that is associated with sex drive. It also affects the way men store fat in the body, bone and muscle mass, and sperm production.

Ashwagandha has been shown to boost testosterone levels in men. In one study, healthy men who took ashwagandha extract for eight weeks showed significant changes in testosterone levels, improved vitality, and lower fatigue.3

Another study found that men taking ashwagandha while on a weight-lifting program had five times higher levels of testosterone than men who did not take the supplement, improving both muscle mass and strength.4

Enhanced Sex Drive

Ashwagandha is said to possess aphrodisiac-like qualities, enhancing sexual desire.

Ongoing stress is a common cause of declining sex drive and poor sexual performance. Research shows that ashwagandha offers stress relief, which can affect sex drive and the ability to relax enough to enhance desire and pleasure.5

Additionally, ashwagandha’s effect on testosterone levels may help increase sexual desire and drive.6

Increased Fertility

Ashwagandha may help boost fertility in men. Research shows that ashwagandha is effective at boosting both sperm count and sperm motility (movement) in men experiencing infertility.7

Another study found similar results, showing that ashwagandha can significantly improve sperm count and motility.8

Erectile Dysfunction

Ashwagandha is frequently touted as a remedy for erectile dysfunction (ED), or the inability to get or sustain an erection.

While there is strong anecdotal evidence for this, the science is lacking. Very few studies have investigated the use of ashwagandha in treating ED. The existing research does not demonstrate much promise for this use of the herb.

One study aimed to use ashwagandha to improve psychogenic erectile dysfunction, a type of ED associated with concerns about sexual performance and sexual anxiety. Results showed that ashwagandha provided no relief.

Another follow-up study confirmed the same findings that ashwagandha seems to offer no benefit in treating ED.

Side Effects of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is generally considered to be safe. Common side effects of the herb include:

• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Nausea

Who Shouldn’t Use Ashwagandha?

Do not take ashwagandha if any of the following apply to you:

• Pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Diabetes
• Thyroid condition

Autoimmune condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis

Scheduled for surgery or are recovering from a recent surgical procedure